Association of cytokines with endothelium dependent flow mediated vasodilation (FMD) of systemic arteries in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Background: Aim of this study was to elucidate the relation between localised inflammatory heart disease and endothelial dysfunction in the peripheral circulation, considering circulating cytokines as a potential link.

Methods: In 38 patients with non-ischemic heart disease, myocardial biopsies were examined for myocardial inflammation (immunohistology) and virus persistence (PCR). Cytokines (sIL-4, IFN-g, IFN-b, IFN-a, sIL-12p7, TNF-a) were measured by ELISA in venous serum.

Correlation of epicardial and systemic flow-mediated vasodilation in patients with atypical angina but no evidence of atherosclerotic disease.

Background: Atypical angina represents a diagnostic challenge and can be observed in the absence of significant coronary atherosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction is a relevant marker of prognosis, considering cardiovascular events. The aim of the present study was to compare flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) in systemic peripheral and epicardial coronary arteries.